Published June 17, 2015 — Newport News, VA
During the first two weeks of June 2015, Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) conducted the first-ever shipboard, full-speed catapult shots using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). US Navy sailors, civilian employees, and contractors observed.
The “dead loads” were wheeled steel sleds weighing up to 80,000 pounds, simulating the weight of an aircraft — verifying that the catapult and each of its components are working properly.
EMALS replaces steam catapults on Ford-class carriers. It is more maintainable, reliable, and efficient than the steam system, generates more launch energy, and puts less stress on aircraft by creating a smoother, more linear acceleration. The first test shots in May were “no-loads” — nothing attached to the launching shuttle — to demonstrate system integration.
For more background, visit our Magnetic Catapult page. Ford was 90% complete at time of filming and was expected to be commissioned in March 2016.
I wonder how much that steel sled cost — they probably should have hooked a line to it to fish it back out. Notice in the video how some of the shots bounced across the water and how far out the sled is thrown.